1st October 2021.
A Message from Kitty Hughes, Chairperson, National Network of Older People’s Council, Age Friendly Ireland for International Day of Older Persons ~
1st October 2021.
A Chairde go léir. Greetings on this United Nations International Day of Older Persons. It is indeed with great pride that I send warmest good wishes to the all members of the National Network of Older People’s Councils and to each and every member of the OPCs you represent throughout Ireland. Age Friendly Ireland has become a world leader in addressing issues pertaining to older persons through these participative councils.
The theme for this International Day is ‘Digital Equality for all Ages ‘. It is a call indeed a challenge, to expand the opportunities across generations to access, learn and use new technology. We must work to strengthen the digital skills of the older person as an important defence and a means to improve their wellbeing.
During the pandemic we have often been left more isolated, and frequently undervalued as a source of knowledge, experience and generous contributors to our collective progress. Ageing is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Age Friendly’s work in Ireland raises awareness and empathy for the wellbeing of the older person. It promotes lasting and sustainable improvements enabling us to grow old with dignity.
So today I hope you are all feeling on top of the world. We send warmest good wishes to older persons around the world through the power of the internet. And remember the words of G B Shaw; we don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.’ So let’s keep playing, keep having fun and keep safe. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile.
Kitty Hughes.
